If we can keep Chipper on the bench, though, these guys bunched up together could be dangerous:

Bourn
Prado
McCann
Uggla
Freeman

Then whatever Heyward, and whatever pathetic SS they drag out there, and our LF can do, we’ll just have to suffer through the bottom half of the order. I’ve always favored a powerhouse top of the order with a weak bottom over an even spread of only solid hitters, though I know you fellas disagree. I’ve seen convincing studies that show scoring in bunches is more effective and “black holes” in the line up don’t hurt too bad if there’s a killer section at the other end.

But anyway, the Braves could have an exciting offense. But their starting pitching and their defense are liable to land us in 3rd or 4th place; I can easily see that. Especially when the offense slumps, as they all do, even the great ones.

I initially hoped that the ascencio trade would add some payroll flexibility to acquire an OF (like Byrd), but I doubt the money received for a 1-inning minor league reliever will make much of a difference.

Looks like Heyward has got it coming together. Good to see that happening!

As much as I think Medlen’s arm is needed in the bullpen (especially with Gearrin heading there), I think that they should go with Medlen in the 5th spot and move Delgado to the ‘pen.

In explaining the Ascencio move, Wren said that they did it b/c he didn’t really fit with what they want from that last spot — he said that Ascencio is a one-inning guy, and they want a guy who could go for multiple innings if needed. Medlen fits that, but now that Delgado has been stretched out, he could fit that as well.

I’d rather Delgado start. Just take a deep breath every fifth game and hope for the best. Meanwhile, Medlen + O’Flaherty + Venters + Kimbrel in the pen makes every single game seem winnable, and without overtaxing them. If we have a shaky Delgado in the pen, Venters can go ahead and put Dr. Andrews on speed dial.

I personally wish they’d split up the big three and make it a BP rotation of:

Don’t we have Christian Martinez to be another long reliever? Do we need 3 long relievers on the team? I’ve never heard of such a thing. And if that’s the case, put Buddy Carlyle on the roster. I’d rather him, and send Delgado to AAA. Let Medlen have a couple of starts until Hudson gets back and then put him in the pen too.

I think the Delgado starts also serve the purpose of getting him more reliable for the rotation in the long term. Assuming he stays healthy, JJ will likely be gone at midyear. We need a reliable Delgado.